Frings' column: "We will be world champions"

Torsten Frings and Gilberto Silva faced off with their national teams in the final of the 2002 World Cup in Yokohama. (Photo: getty).
First Team
Tuesday, 08.07.2014 / 09:14

So, it's Germany vs Brazil. For me, that's the final. Of course that brings back memories of 2002. We played our best game in the final in Yokohama against Ronaldo, Rivaldo and...

 

 

So, it's Germany vs Brazil. For me, that's the final. Of course that brings back memories of 2002. We played our best game in the final in Yokohama against Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. Who knows what would have happened if Oliver Neuville's 36-yard free kick didn't go against the post but went in? But oh well, in the end, we didn't have the luck to become world champions.

The guys more than deserved to reach the semi-finals. I didn't really understand the whole discussion beforehand. About Jogi and his coaching staff strictly keeping to their plan from before the World Cup and not being able to react flexibly to any opponent? No! I think that Jogi has come up with a very special plan for each opponent. Even against France, he adjusted the team to their opponent and the players implemented the plan very well. Even though it was really surprising to me that he left ‘Merte' out. But that goes to show that Jogi doesn't shy away from taking out an established player for the goal of the team and for the goal to become a world champion.

Dante on same level as Thiago Silva

I don't necessarily see it as an advantage that the German team will play against Brazil without Neymar and Thiago Silva. Of course those are two important players who are missing, but I do not think that a guy like Dante from Bayern Munich is worse than Thiago Silva. I see Dante at the same level. Neymar is another category. He is Brazil's most important player. I can imagine that 200 million people are now sad and really mad at the Colombian player.

In the final against "La Albiceleste"

Germany need to watch out in Belo Horizonte. I saw first-hand in 2006 just how crazy fans can be in their own country. We were really pushed forward by the fans. That can give you additional strength. You just run more - almost automatically. You are pushed so much like the whole country is carrying you. In principle, you suddenly have an extra man.

My tip is 2-1 for Germany. Just because of the sports rivalry, a final then against neighbours Holland would be a dream. But I think it will be Argentina. I think they are a tick better. But I still think the same - we will become world champions.

Your Torsten

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